BMW Action Weekend

Itinerary

• North Carolina

  North Carolina is a state located on the Atlantic Seaboard in the Southern United States. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte. North Carolina has a wide range of elevations, from sea level on the coast to 6,684 feet (2,037 m) in the mountains. The coastal plains are strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the state falls in the humid subtropical climate zone. The western, mountainous part of the state is a part of the Great Smokey Mountains.

• Asheville

  Asheville and the surrounding mountains popular in the autumn when fall foliage peaks in October. The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway runs through the Asheville area and near the Biltmore Estate.  In 2007, Asheville was named one of the top seven places to live in the U.S. by Frommer's Cities. It was also named one of the world's top 12 must-see destinations for 2007 by Frommer's travel guides. AmericanStyle magazine called it one of "America's Top 25 Arts Destinations".

• South Carolina

  South Carolina is a state in the United States that borders Georgia to the south and North Carolina to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.  It contains 46 counties and its capital is Columbia.  The state's coastline contains many salt marshes and estuaries, as well as natural ports such as Georgetown and Charleston. An unusual feature of the coastal plain is a large number of Carolina bays, the origins of which are uncertain. Just west of the coastal plain is the Sandhills region, also known as the Midlands. This region of the state is thought to contain remnants of old coastal dunes from a time when the land was sunken or the oceans were higher.  South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate and is occasionally affected by tropical cyclones.

• • Greenville
  • Lunch with the Driving Instructor
  • Flank Steak
  • BMW Factory Zentrum Museum
  • St. Mary's Catholic Church Greenville
  • Westin Poinsett

  Day 1: Greenville

  Avail of a private vehicle and driver for your airport transfer. The Westin Poinsett Hotel also provides a complimentary shuttle between the airport and hotel - please let your Sales Advisor know if you would prefer to use this shared mode of transportation and this can be arranged in advance of your arrival.

  Often it is possible to arrange to have a senior member of BMW and/or the driving instructor join you for lunch which will give you an informal forum to learn more about the behind the scenes happenings within the plant.

  Enjoy a hot lunch at the M Cafe in the BMW plant this afternoon. Choose from one of the Chef's daily offerings such as marinated flank steak or stuffed chicken breast, tossed salad, two hot vegetables, rolls, expanded desserts, sodas, water.

  BMW's only American factory is a marvel of the blending of modern engineering and design aesthetics. See for yourself how the ultimate driving machine is built during a guided plant tour.

  The BMW Zentrum Museum is unlike any other building in North America. Here you can experience the power and history of the BMW brand firsthand, from its beginnings in aviation and motorsports to its rise to prominence on the global stage. Take a historical walk to see BMW’s numerous milestones in both racing and touring vehicles. View rare and important vehicles from BMW’s past, such as the famous Isetta “Bubblecar,” BMW Motorcycles, and Art Cars featuring designs by world-renowned figures like Andy Warhol, Frank Stella and Roy Lichtenstein. You can also explore what’s current in BMW, with exhibits that feature state-of-the-art technologies in transportation safety and the latest in environmental engineering with the Hydrogen Car.

  With wide sidewalks, outdoor plazas, and streetside outdoor dining opportunities, Downtown Greenville offers a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere that has been compared to that of a European city. One of downtown's biggest attractions is the Falls Park on the Reedy, featuring two sets of waterfalls. Located in the West End area and adjacent to the Peace Center for Performing Arts, the Park also has miles of walking and bicycle trails that follow the river along Downtown greenway. The West End Historic District, known as the arts and entertain-ment center of the city, is anchored by the West End Market and Falls Park on the Reedy. While visiting the West End , you can browse through the shops in the West End Market and surrounding streets, dine in one of the area's unique restaurants, enjoy a theater performance, or view the progress of the construction of a world-class pedestrian bridge across the Reedy River falls.

  America's dedicated foodies and top chefs alike have turned their heads to Greenville's dynamic 21st century culinary scene. From its wide-ranging variety of ethnic foods to its award-winning chefs and unique architecture environments, Greenville restaurant patrons have opportunities to enjoy delights that are traditionally only thought of in America's big cities.

  Your Chef's table culinary experience will take you to five culinary destinations within the city—each with the opportunity to meet other chefs and dine at their tables. The first stop will bring you to one of downtown Greenville's most unique private dining/living/meeting spaces: The Loft at Soby's. Here your own personal chef will create and serve the first culinary creation while you learn about the historic building and surroundings. A kitchen visit to Soby's on the Side will bring you behind-the-scenes for the next tasting from the deli, bakery, and catering hub of the Table 301 restaurant group. A historic walking tour crossing Court Square and the Reedy River will fill you in on some of downtown's rich past as well as modern monuments to its successful revitalization. Not only will we cross the city's river, but we'll cross the Big Pond on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean at The Lazy Goat where more special touches and fine food await. The next stop, Soby's New South Cuisine, will bring you back to the roots of Greenville's restaurant boom and will introduce its explorations of taste with Southern dishes with a fresh twist. Finally, a decadent dessert served in a special private dining room at Devereaux's Restaurant will complete your culinary adventure.

  Accommodation: Westin Poinsett

  See one of South Carolina’s most beautiful towns while staying at The Westin Poinsett, Greenville. The only four-diamond hotel in Greenville, guests enjoy quality service and an unbeatable location. The hotel is located just a few blocks from over 50 shops and restaurants as well as The Peace Center for the Performing Arts, Falls Park on the Reedy River, and the Bi-Lo Center. Whether you're visiting for leisure or business, guests are invited to enjoy the inspiring service and amenities for which Westin is known.

• • Wine tasting
  • Exclusive Track access
  • Wine Flight

  Day 2: Greenville

  There are a number of great golf courses in the general vicinity of Greenville including Pebble Creek, River Falls, Willowcreek, Cherokee Valley, Furman University and The Cliffs at Keowee. The River Falls full service Spa is located next door to the Westin Poinsett and has a wide range of treatments available. if you are interested in doing some wine tasting and learning more about various varietals, a wine tasting class can be arranged. Please let your Sales Advisor know if you would like a round of golf or a spa treatment arranged for you.

  And now for the moment you have been waiting for...head out on the track which is exclusively for you for the next few hours. Choose your model of choice from all of the M Vehicles (subject to availability but every effort will be made to accommodate). Take the wheel and test your skills on the track with a certified BMW performance driving instructor. Your driving proficiency will help determine the specific driving sessions. Regardless of the focus of the session, with the expertise of your personal instructor, you will get to hone in on finesse, quick reflexes and eye coordination through a variety of exercises on the slalom, autocross and Real Roads Course, as well as spend time on the wet skid pad. With more horsepower and sharper chassis dynamics at your controls, you need to be at the top of your game! Your instructor will make sure you get there...

  Enjoy a gastronomic dinner this evening in Greenville - a fine way to end a wonderful day's adventure! Devereaux's is located in the heart of Downtown Greenville, within walking distance from the Westin Poinsett Hotel. The restaurant is housed in a century-old cigar factory that has been transformed into a first-rate restaurant which is quickly becoming one of the most recognized culinary establishments in the South. The contemporary American menu features French, Asian and Southern-influenced dishes that are often described as culinary masterpieces. The culinary team works in an open-air kitchen, allowing guests to get a front row seat in the culinary magic. Enjoy a five course tasting menu accompanied by a wine flight this evening - your taste buds are in for a treat!

  Accommodation: Westin Poinsett
• • Asheville
  • Teatime at The Biltmore
  • Inn at Biltmore Estate

  Day 3: Greenville - Asheville

  Spend the day out in the magnificent Blue Ridge Moutain range and feel the exhileration of driving an M or X class BMW along winding mountain roads. A BMW Professional Driving Instructor will lead you on the route in a seperate vehicle so you will have support throughout the day but the freedom to drive yourself. The drive through the mountains to Caesar’s Head or Chimney Rock and the Highlands is spectacular - especially in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. End the day in Asheville, North Carolina, and roll up the majestic driveway of the impressive Biltmore Estate, home of the Vanderbilt's and America's largest home, which was modelled on Versailles.

  You may like to avail of afternoon tea in the Library of the Inn at Biltmore. Complete with traditional English finger sandwiches, scones, fruit breads, and tea pastries, you'll feel like the Lord (or Lasdy!) of the manor! Choose from an assortment of quality teas from Mighty Leaf Tea, a glass of Kir Royale, or a flute of sparkling wine. Served daily from 2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Reservations are needed and can be arranged by your Sales Advisor in advance if you wish.

  Why not dine at the restaurant in the Inn at Biltmore this evening and delight in creative interpretations of regional cuisine in a friendly atmosphere with impeccable service. The renowned chefs prepare culinary delights harvested from the local fields, including seasonal vegetables, fresh beef, and lamb. Reservations are required and can be done by your Sales Advisor in advance.

  Accommodation: Inn at Biltmore Estate (4*)

  Inn at Biltmore Estate (4*) was built on the grounds of the renowned Biltmore Estate and was part of Mr. George Washington Vanderbilt's original vision when he completed a 250-room French Renaissance chateau and country estate in 1895. Still family owned and maintained by the Cecil family (descendents of the Vanderbilts) the Inn has some of the same details, such as walnut floors and oak moldings from trees harvested on the property, that make the family's estate a national treasure. It features 210 guest rooms, a dinning room, a lobby bar, a fitness center and an outdoor pool.

• • Scenic Mountain drive in BMW

  Day 4: Asheville - Greenville

  Enjoy the drive from Asheville, North Carolina, to Greenville, South Carolina, in the comfort of your own luxury M or X class BMW which you will have control of! A Pro Instructor will accompany you in a seperate vehicle to provide support to you while giving you all the flexibility and freedom that you desire.

  Avail of a private vehicle and driver for your airport transfer. The Westin Poinsett Hotel also provides a complimentary shuttle between the airport and hotel - please let your Sales Advisor know if you would prefer to use this shared mode of transportation and this can be arranged in advance of your arrival.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Westin Poinsett

  Westin Poinsett

  See one of South Carolina’s most beautiful towns while staying at The Westin Poinsett, Greenville. The only four-diamond hotel in Greenville, guests enjoy quality service and an unbeatable location. The hotel is located just a few blocks from over 50 shops and restaurants as well as The Peace Center for the Performing Arts, Falls Park on the Reedy River, and the Bi-Lo Center. Whether you're visiting for leisure or business, guests are invited to enjoy the inspiring service and amenities for which Westin is known.

  • More information
• • Inn at Biltmore Estate

  Inn at Biltmore Estate (4*)

  Inn at Biltmore Estate (4*) was built on the grounds of the renowned Biltmore Estate and was part of Mr. George Washington Vanderbilt's original vision when he completed a 250-room French Renaissance chateau and country estate in 1895. Still family owned and maintained by the Cecil family (descendents of the Vanderbilts) the Inn has some of the same details, such as walnut floors and oak moldings from trees harvested on the property, that make the family's estate a national treasure. It features 210 guest rooms, a dinning room, a lobby bar, a fitness center and an outdoor pool.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Access to race track on BMW Plant as per itinerary - Rental of luxury M or X class BMW accompanied by pro Instructor as per itinerary - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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